WAYNE Thomas, a veteran of more than 500 Football League games, has joined Worcester City until the end of the season.

The vastly-experienced defender arrives from Skrill Premier outfit Tamworth and will become the 10th centre-half City boss Carl Heeley has employed this season.

The 34-year-old’s long career has included spells at Stoke City, Southampton and Burnley in English football, as well as spending time playing in the Greek top flight with Atromitos.

Thomas has made 22 appearances in captaining City’s near-neighbours Tamworth during the current campaign.

The veteran defender will bring a wealth of experience to Heeley’s battling side and can help to fill the void left by Jamie Grimes’ return to parent club and landlords Kidderminster Harriers.

Sam Smith, Richard Munday, Shabir Khan and Graham Hutchison have all struggled for fitness this season, while other imports have flattered to deceive.

Both of these factors have combined to regularly leave Heeley short of options at the back throughout the current campaign.